You don’t need to be a foodie to eat a lot of eggs. Eggs appear in almost every cuisine in the world as a protein-rich and inexpensive staple.
Cheesy souffle? Traditional birthday cake? You need eggs. Aiming for a full British or American breakfast? Eggs are a must-have. Grabbing a carton of chicken eggs at the market is so normal you might forget how many options you have, especially if you’re willing to spend extra money.
Here’s a list of the most expensive eggs in the world. Use it for inspiration the next time you feel bored with your usual menu.
11. Chicken Eggs ($1 to 2 per dozen)
Chicken eggs are a common ingredient around the globe, used in recipes ranging from sweet cakes and custards to quiche. Their ubiquity makes them relatively inexpensive.
In November 2023, a dozen eggs cost $2.14 on average in the U.S. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple bird flu outbreaks inflated the cost. In December 2021, the average price was $1.78.
10. Pheasant Eggs ($2 to $3 per Dozen)
Try pheasant eggs when you crave rich flavor packed with nutrients. One dozen eggs will typically set you back about $2, so they aren’t too much of a splurge. Chicken eggs are only slightly cheaper.
Pheasant eggs can have a gamey twinge, so they’re better in distinctly savory recipes. Boil a few for a protein-rich snack, or whip a delicious omelet or sandwich. These eggs are smaller than their chicken counterparts, so use a two-to-one ratio when cooking.
Appearance-wise, pheasant eggs are usually greenish or brown-colored, making a nice visual change from standard white eggs.
9. Quail Eggs ($3 to $5 per dozen)
Quail eggs fit English tea parties and luxurious meals. They’re not the most expensive eggs on the list, but their slight, speckled shells and creamy yolks align them with upscale eating.
Chicken and quail eggs taste similar, so feel free to use them interchangeably in recipes. Just remember to substitute four to five quail eggs for every chicken egg.
In some areas, you can find quail eggs for $3 to $5 per dozen.
8. Guinea Fowl Eggs ($12 per dozen)
Guinea fowl eggs may be hard to find, but they’re worth the indulgence if you do. They have more protein than chicken eggs and thick, oranged-tinted yolks. Guinea fowl eggs might enhance the mouthfeel of a soft cake.
The eggs average $1 apiece, so many people save them for special occasions and recipes. Don’t be surprised if no one else notices the upgrade, however. A delectable cake, for instance, won’t make people think of guinea fowl eggs unless they already know you’re cooking with them.
7. Duck Eggs ($12 per dozen)
A bigger egg means a bigger yolk, and that’s why people are willing to pay for duck eggs. You get to experience a slightly different flavor and a creamier texture.
Duck eggs make sense if you’re also paying attention to your health. They contain more nutrients, including protein, fat, and omega-3 fatty acids. Many low-carb dieters prefer duck eggs because they’re so fatty.
If you’re not eating low-carb, a duck egg hits the spot when you want to pamper yourself. Simple scrambled eggs can taste much more satisfying with these eggs.
6. Goose Eggs ($36 per dozen)
Goose eggs are significantly more expensive than chicken eggs, but they’re also three times the size. You might feel like you’re eating a huge chicken egg because the taste is virtually identical.
The additional size does bring more calories and protein, however. An average good egg is 265 calories and has almost twenty grams of fat. You could have two good eggs for a meal, and you wouldn’t need bacon to make it boost the calories.
Goose eggs cost around $3 per egg, however, so adding them to your regular breakfast routine may be pricy.
5. Turkey Eggs ($36 per dozen)
Turkey eggs are somewhat rare because they’re a hassle to raise. Economically, it makes far more sense for farmers to focus on chicken eggs.
However, that has nothing to do with the taste. Turkey eggs taste enough like chicken that you might not notice a difference. Turkey eggs are bigger, more colorful, and, of course, more expensive.
Want to see if you like turkey eggs? Your local farmer’s market may be able to help.
4. Gull Eggs ($120 per dozen)
You’ve probably never considered eating gull eggs unless you’ve lived in Britain. Because you see, any old gull on the coast won’t do. Chefs love the black-headed gull, which only nests in a few British marsh and coastline areas.
And, not only is their range limited, but their eggs are only available a few weeks a year. British law says that only licensed “eggers” can collect gull eggs, with a limit of a single egg per nest.
Their rarity makes them expensive. A full dozen is pricier than many steak dinners. However, you can buy one egg at a time, meaning you only have to spend $10 vs. $120.
3. Emu Eggs ($360 per dozen)
For times when you really want to impress, bring out the emu eggs. These eggs are so pretty that just looking at them brings pleasure. They have gorgeous jewel-green shells that almost appear like something out of a movie.
Emu eggs are fun for their novelty and color. Their flavor isn’t as pronounced as some other options on this list. You’ll need to pay about $30 per egg, but you may not need very many. Emu eggs are gigantic and can replace an entire one-dozen carton of chicken eggs.
2. Ostrich Eggs ($360 per dozen)
$30 per ostrich egg makes sense — they weigh over three pounds! One egg has enough calories to power you through an entire day.
Let your family admire the sheer size before you fry the egg for a shared omelet or scramble. An emu egg is too big and costly for a good solo treat.
If it’s health you’re interested in, you’ll appreciate that emu eggs have large stores of nutrients like magnesium and vitamins B1 and B12. Even better, almost half the calories are from protein.
Ostrich eggs are relatively challenging to get. Mothers sometimes lay as little as two eggs, and the incubation period is over a month. These factors contribute to the heavy price.
1. Beluga Caviar ($2,000+ per serving)
When you think of expensive eggs, beluga caviar may come to mind. It’s the ultimate luxury food, a dish that can cost more than $100,000 per serving. Even “cheap” beluga caviar usually costs at least $2,000.
If you want caviar but aren’t in the mood to spend thousands of dollars, look at cheaper types of fish eggs. Salmon and herring roe, for instance, are significantly easier to obtain and thus more affordable.
Summary Table of the Most Expensive Eggs in the World
Egg type | Cost |
---|---|
Chicken | $1 to 2 per dozen |
Pheasant | $2 to $3 per dozen |
Quail Eggs | $3 to $5 per dozen |
Guinea Fowl | $12 per dozen |
Duck | $12 per dozen |
Goose | $36 per dozen |
Turkey | $36 per dozen |
Gull | $120 per dozen |
Emu | $360 per dozen |
Ostrich | Beluga Caviar |
Beluga Caviar | $2,000+ per serving |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rachelle Rae Denee/Shutterstock.com
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